How colors work

Everyone looks better in some colors, and worse in others.

But which colors? That depends.

try this:

What stands out?

Close your eyes halfway, and consider the woman (Claire Foy) and her outfit.

Is it all on the same flat plane?
Or is something leaping forward, as if it’s coming off the page towards you?

Unfocus.

the answer is:

The black straps

the secret:

See the colors as shapes.

Before & after

before

✗ doesn't go

We see a pale face and two thick, black straps.
The dress is wearing her.

after

✓ goes

We see blue eyes, rosy cheeks, and a gentle smile.
She looks great.

What are color seasons?

The eyes-half-closed test lets you see when a color doesn't go. What's the point? To understand color harmony.

Color seasons are a way of grouping colors that all "go" together.

They provide a shorthand—a quick way to say "These types of colors look good on me."

Your best colors harmonize with your season's palette, such that if you placed them on the palette and looked at it through half-closed eyes, it would all appear to be on the same flat plane.

The top three colors to test for true summer, from the Colors Cheatsheet by Kate Lemon.

When colors go together, they enhance each other. So, wearing your color season makes you (and your skin-hair-eye colors) look radiant.

Plus, since humans are drawn to human faces, when all the colors are on the same flat plane, we'll look at your face first. That's what gives the impression that you are wearing your clothes—rather than the clothes wearing you.

See all the seasons